Explosion-proof underpants
02 March 2012
The US Army has developed a Pelvic Protection System (PPS) to protect soldiers on foot patrol in Afghanistan from groin injuries. This follows the distribution of a similar product to British forces in that country, Blast Boxers, made by Cardiff-based military accessories supplier BCB International.
The US version consists of two layers of protection - a Tier I protective under-garment (PUG) and a Tier II protective outer-garment (POG).
Worn like shorts, the PUG is worn under a soldier's ACU (Army Combat Uniform) trousers and can be worn over the top of, or in place of underwear. It has a breathable, moisture wicking material on the outer thighs and knitted Kevlar along the inner thighs to protect the fleshy parts of the thigh and the femoral artery. Additional knitted or woven Kevlar is located over the groin. The fabric has been tested to ensure it does not degrade when exposed to extreme heat. The POG is more rigid and offers greater ballistic protection.
The US Army first put the PPS into field use in June 2011, and has now distributed it to some 15,000 soldiers.